Miami New Year's Eve Fireworks 2013: The Best Displays

It happens to you every year. Once you have finally started to get settled into 2013, boom: another new year has snuck up on you. It's about that time to make your New Year's resolutions, drink away the last year's regrets, and celebrate starting all over again in 2014. Miamians looking to ring in the New Year with a bang can catch fireworks shows throughout the county.

Few places rival the energy and partying of Miami Beach at any time of the year, but come New Year's Eve, it's even better. Granted, the traffic will be a nightmare, but you'll likely wake up on the shore with sand plastered to your face at dawn when the traffic is all gone, any way. Gather on the beach (Ocean Drive and 8th St., Miami Beach) for the City of Miami Beach New Years Eve Celebration. There will be a live musical performance and entertainment throughout the night and the best part is, it's free. The festivities run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The event is free. Call 305-673-7577 or visit miamiandbeaches.com.

If you want to see fireworks without trekking to the beach, spend New Year's Eve at Bayfront Park--arguably the best spot to watch the skies of the Magic City burst in every color of the rainbow. Head over to Bayfront Park's New Year's Eve for live performances by various bands, a dance party by DJ Funky Frank, and a count down to midnight with "La Gran Naranja"--the iconic big orange that rises 400 feet to the top of the InterContinental Hotel. The waterfront party begins at 8 p.m. The event is free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit bayfrontparkmiami.com.

When Coral Gables does something, they like to do it in style, and New Year's eve is never the exception for the neighborhood of Real Housewife of Miami's Lea Black. The annual New Year's Eve Gala at The Biltmore (1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables) features a fireworks display on the golf course, complete with a Champagne toast at midnight. But first, there are premium offerings to tend to inside the Country Club Ballroom, such as a four-course dinner, premium open bar, and live music by the band Flavor and DJ Michael Sarz. The gala is from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $325 for the dinner; $260 for Biltmore members; $260 for children over 12; $200 for member's kids; and $50 for children under 12. Call 305-913-3246 or email newyears@biltmorehotel.com.

These, of course, are just the "professionally organized" fireworks shows; you'll see amateur explosions in the sky tonight all up and down the coastline, in neighborhood parks, and just about anywhere else thrillseekers think they can get away with setting off some colorful dynamite. Hey, it's better than shooting your gun in the air, right?